A draw in the Clásico will secure the Barcelona team the LaLiga title against Real Madrid this Sunday (WATCH LIVE at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN networks).
The upgraded Camp Nou will set the stage for a Clásico that will be missing Lamine Yamal, who is out for the season due to injury.
Barcelona aims to overcome a Real Madrid side that must secure a victory to thwart Hansi Flick’s team from celebrating their league title defense in this crucial matchup. However, they will be going into the match without their star No. 10 and with uncertainty surrounding defender Andreas Christensen, who has been sidelined since December.
The visitors also approach with uncertainty regarding Kylian Mbappé, who was absent from the match against Espanyol due to a hamstring injury, but he has not yet been officially ruled out for the clash in Barcelona. Additionally, they will definitely miss Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Arda Güler, and Rodrygo, all of whom will not be present at Camp Nou.
– Prepare for El Clásico! Title race insights, head-to-head analysis, key clashes, and predictions
– Clásico jerseys: A look at Barcelona and Real Madrid’s best and worst kits
– Analyzing why a reunion between Real Madrid and José Mourinho is becoming more probable
Our correspondents in Madrid and Barcelona, Rodra and Lluís Bou, have selected a combined starting lineup for both teams based on their performance this season. However, with Yamal unavailable and Mbappé’s status uncertain, both players were excluded from the lineup.
Goalkeeper: Joan García (Barcelona)
If things do not change dramatically in the last few matchdays, he is likely to secure his first Zamora award for the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded in LaLiga. Though still far from Thibaut Courtois‘s level, the Belgian’s recent injury and García’s impressive debut season put him in strong contention.
Right back: Jules Koundé (Barcelona)
Although his season has not been stellar, he is a more reliable choice compared to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has shown defensive vulnerabilities. Carvajal’s limited appearances due to injury further support Koundé’s selection.
Center backs: Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)
Both players have experienced fluctuations this season but are ending on a high note. With Militão sidelined, Rüdiger, who faces a contract expiration this summer, has a chance to make the starting lineup.
Left back: João Cancelo (Barcelona)
His arrival on loan in January has proven beneficial, outshining Alejandro Balde and facing no competition at Madrid due to Mendy’s injuries and the poor form of Fran García and Álvaro Carreras.
Midfielders: Pedri (Barcelona), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
This trio serves as the spine of their respective teams. Pedri and Tchouaméni have been consistently reliable. Heading into this match, Barcelona will be without Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, and Gavi, who has only recently returned to the squad. Meanwhile, none of the Madrid players, including Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, or Güler, have stepped up as effective playmakers.
Valverde stands out as one of the season’s most impactful midfielders, possessing the range and skill to contribute to a winning performance, as shown in matches like the one against Manchester City.
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Fermín López (Barcelona)
With both Mbappé and Yamal unavailable, the goal-scoring duties shift to this explosive Brazilian duo, both of whom have shown Ballon d’Or potential in previous years. They are complemented by Fermín, whose impressive season with 30 goal contributions secures his spot in the lineup. Selecting the 22-year-old over 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski creates an attacking trio that excels in skill and dynamic play, albeit lacking a conventional central striker.
ESPN’s Combined Clásico XI
GK: Joan García (Barcelona)
DF: Jules Koundé (Barcelona), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), João Cancelo (Barcelona)
MF: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
FW: Fermín López (Barcelona), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)